With gas prices steadily rising, motorists are beginning to feel the pinch at the pump and are considering adjusting their driving habits, according to a recent consumer survey.
Six out of 10 drivers said they have changed their driving behavior because of increasing gas prices, according to the Bethesda-based Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. Of the people who have altered their habits, 90 percent said they were driving less, and 75 percent said they were taking better care of their vehicles.
In the Baltimore region, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline has increased 40 percent in the past year to $3.02 from $2.15, according to AAA?s Daily Fuel Gauge Report. A month ago, the average price for a gallon of regular was $2.65.
“A year ago, when gas prices started this roller-coaster ride, I think people sat back and said, ?We?ll ride this out,? and ended up spending a lot of money,” said Rich White, senior vice president of marketing for AAIA. “The issue has reached a point where people want to know how they can save some money.”
With increasing production and demand for energy-efficient vehicles, the effect of rising gas prices on the consumer is evident, said Richard Clinch, a University of Baltimore economist.
“You?re already seeing the consumer making changes,” Clinch said. “Gas prices have nowhere to go but up in the short term.”
Many motorists, however, have gotten used to a “cycling up-and-down period” with gas prices in the past year and haven?t yet made drastic changes, said Stephen Walters, a professor of economics at Loyola College.
“Our short-run pain tolerance is greater than our long-term pain tolerance,” Walters said. “The longer prices stay up, the more conscious we become with our spending choices.”
Drivers can improve their fuel economy by doing small things such as making sure tires are properly inflated, keeping fuel and air filters clean, keeping wheels aligned and having a car regularly serviced, White said.
“It?s kid of like dental care,” White said. “It might be expensive to go to the dentist, but if you put it off, you?re going to ruin your teeth and end up spending even more to have them treated.”
